what is an allele
a varient form of a gene
a trait than can be masked
a trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parnets contributes
a non-inherited trait
An allele is the first option, a variant form of a gene. It is a specific version of a gene that determines a particular trait or characteristic. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. These alleles can be either the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous), and they can determine the expression of the trait in an offspring.
An allele is a variant form of a gene. It is one of the alternative versions of a gene that can occupy a specific position on a chromosome. Alleles determine the expression of different traits or characteristics in an organism. They can be passed from parents to offspring and can be dominant or recessive, meaning they can either show or be masked by other alleles.
An allele is a variant form of a gene. To understand what an allele is, you need to know what a gene is first. A gene is a specific sequence of DNA located on a chromosome, and it contains instructions for creating a particular trait. Genes come in pairs because we inherit one copy from each parent.
An allele is one of the possible versions or variations of a particular gene. For example, a gene that determines eye color may have multiple alleles, such as "brown," "blue," or "green." Each of these alleles represents a different version of the gene, which can result in different eye colors.
Now, let's go through the answer options:
1. A variant form of a gene - This correctly defines an allele. It refers to the different versions of a gene that can exist within a population.
2. A trait that can be masked - This is not the definition of an allele. Alleles are not masked by other traits but rather contribute to the overall expression of a particular trait.
3. A trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes - This implies the concept of dominant and recessive alleles. If an allele is dominant, it will be expressed in the offspring, even if it is present in only one parent. If an allele is recessive, it will only be expressed if it is present in both parents.
4. A non-inherited trait - Alleles are inherited from parents. They contribute to the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
So, the correct answer is: "An allele is a variant form of a gene."